Abundance, composition, and potential intake of microplastics in canned fish. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Akhbarizadeh, Razegheh; Dobaradaran, Sina; Nabipour, Iraj; Tajbakhsh, Saeed; Darabi, Amir Hossein; Spitz, Jörg
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 160(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Microplastics -- Canned fish -- Food safety -- Chemical composition -- Human intake; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111633
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: The existence of microplastics (MPs) in canned fish (tuna and mackerel) samples was investigated and their composition, possible sources and potential intake were assessed. Light and fluorescence microscopy were used for the quantification of potential MPs. Furthermore, micro-Raman microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray were used to identify the polymer types and composition of MPs. The results showed that 80% of samples had at least one plastic particle and fibers were the most abundant shapes of MPs. Moreover, polyethylene terephthalate (32.8%) was the most common polymer type in canned fish samples. The fish, food additives, and contact materials during the cleaning and canning process are possible sources of MPs. Human intake estimation of MPs showed the possibility of plastics absorption by humans who consume canned fish several times/week. Hence, the results of this study showed the importance of MPs' guidelines for food safety and hygiene. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: Occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in tuna and mackerel canned fish was investigated. 80% of the analyzed samples had at least one MP particle. The most abundant MPs were polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, and polypropylene. Salt, fish, cleaning, and canning process are possible source of MPs in canned fish. Intake of tiny MPs (10–50 μm) through canned fish may pose a possible health risk.